bentway free skate rentals

Skate for free under the Gardiner Expressway this winter

The Bentway is back for the season, baby, and you can glide around Toronto's coolest figure-eight to your heart's content without paying a dime this winter—even if you need to rent skates.

The popular year-round community gathering spot under Toronto's Gardiner Expressway, just east of Strachan, has once again gone full winter wonderland after a successful opening last year.

Starting Monday, holiday hours end and The Bentway opens its skate trail and rental services (along with food, drink and warming stations) to the public from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. between Monday and Thursday, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Sundays.

Thursdays are your best best, however, if you're trying to save cash.

"Free skate Thursdays" continue tonight, January 3, and will run until February 14. The event series features free skate rentals from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., every Thursday, courtesy of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.

Better still, you can take free drop-in skating lessons from The West Toronto Skating Club. Kids aged 6-12 can learn to skate for free between 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. while adult lessons are scheduled for between 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. on a first come, first serve basis.

Have fun!

Lead photo by

Hector Vasquez


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Sports & Play

Scotiabank Arena is getting brand-new seats after 25 years

Tributes pour in from sports and media worlds for passing of TSN host Darren Dutchyshen

Longtime TSN host Darren Dutchyshen has passed away at age 57

The top 5 fireworks stores in Toronto

Toronto Maple Leafs' choice for new head coach is starting to become clearer

Ontario toy retailer has gone bankrupt after 60 years and is having an enormous sale

Rumours swirl about Canada's Wonderland's new roller coaster opening in 2025

Leafs and Raptors hope renovated Scotiabank Arena can lure free agents to Toronto